Ligue 1 side targeting move for Sunderland star | OneFootball

Stade Rennais Target Sunderland Forward Eliezer Mayenda

Stade Rennais are preparing another move in the transfer market as they continue to strengthen ahead of their Europa League campaign. According to FootMercato, the French club have identified Sunderland attacker Eliezer Mayenda as a priority target this summer.

After finishing sixth in Ligue 1, Rennes had hoped for Champions League football. Instead, they must settle for Europa League participation, a respectable achievement but one that falls short of the club’s broader ambitions.

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Attacking Reinforcement on Agenda

Having already secured the arrivals of Adrien Thomasson, Issa Soumaré and Gonçalo Oliveira, Rennes are now looking to add greater depth and versatility in attack.

“Stade Rennais would like to sign the versatile Sunderland forward, capable of playing in various attacking positions.”

That flexibility is clearly appealing to a club preparing for the demands of domestic and European football.

Potential Over Current Numbers

Mayenda’s statistics from last season do not immediately leap off the page.

The Sunderland forward registered two goals and one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions, while regular playing time proved difficult to secure.

Yet Rennes appear to be investing in potential rather than immediate output.

Under contract until 2030, the Zaragoza born attacker remains highly regarded for his technical ability, movement and long term upside.

Valued at around €16 million, Mayenda represents a calculated investment for a club eager to compete on multiple fronts.

The transfer remains at an early stage, but Rennes’ interest demonstrates their commitment to building a younger, more dynamic attacking unit for the seasons ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a football supporter’s perspective, this feels like a move based more on projection than proven production.

That is not necessarily a criticism.

Modern recruitment is increasingly about identifying players before they explode onto the bigger stage, and Eliezer Mayenda fits that profile. His numbers at Sunderland were modest, but circumstances matter. Limited minutes make it difficult for young forwards to build momentum and confidence.

Rennes have built a reputation for spotting talent before its value skyrockets. That track record should give supporters confidence that extensive scouting has taken place before targeting Mayenda.

There is naturally some scepticism. Spending a significant fee on a player with two goals and one assist last season carries risk. Supporters will wonder whether Rennes should be pursuing a more established goalscorer, particularly with European football returning to the club.

However, versatility is becoming increasingly valuable. Players capable of operating across multiple attacking positions provide coaches with tactical flexibility throughout a demanding season.

Ultimately, this feels like a signing aimed at the future as much as the present. If Rennes can unlock Mayenda’s potential and provide him with consistent opportunities, they may secure one of Ligue 1’s most exciting young attackers before the wider market catches up.